Summary:
Detroit Community Schools High School is the only high school in the Detroit Community Schools district, serving grades 9-12 in Detroit, MI, with 299 students and a very high poverty rate (83% free/reduced lunch eligibility).
This single high school is facing a severe academic crisis. Proficiency rates on state tests are dramatically below state averages across every subject and grade level. For example, only 10.8% of 11th graders were proficient in SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, compared to 52.1% statewide, and just 7.7% were proficient in Social Studies versus 43.2% statewide. The school’s state ranking has plummeted from the 30th percentile in 2018-2019 to the bottom 1% (789 out of 800 schools) by 2025-2026. The most alarming statistic is chronic absenteeism: 74.4% of students are chronically absent, nearly three times the state average of 27.9%. This means most students are missing so much school that effective learning is nearly impossible, which is likely the primary driver of the low test scores.
Despite these dire academic metrics, the school reports a graduation rate of 90.5%, which is actually higher than the state average of 84.0%. This paradox suggests students may be receiving diplomas without achieving basic academic competency. The dropout rate (8.1%) is slightly above the state average (7.1%). The school spends $14,243 per student, a substantial amount that is clearly not translating into academic success. For parents considering this school, the combination of catastrophic test scores, extreme chronic absenteeism, and a high graduation rate that masks academic failure paints a concerning picture. The school appears to be in a downward spiral, and the current trajectory shows no signs of improvement, making it critical for families to explore all available options and understand the significant challenges their child would face here.
Thank you for your feedback!